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As we live in the race of our times, the monthly Learning City festival is a hoped-for opportunity to slow down, do something out of the ordinary, find a fresh perspective, and cherish what it means to be human.
This is our 5th season hosting the festival, and here are the numbers for Da Nang Learning City in April 2026:
- 20 activities hosted
- Nearly 20 stalls at the market promoting a healthy lifestyle
- 17 spaces donated by individuals and organizations
- 60% of activities were new experiments on various topics
- 100+ participants, including both hosts and attendees
- Ages ranging from 3 to 63
- 100+ new members in the Da Nang Neighbors community
- Spaces spread across Da Nang city, from private venues to the beach and Son Tra mountain
- Events held throughout the day, from early morning until late at night
We haven't had the chance to share the statistics from previous months yet. Beyond the numbers, the festival aims to allow us to connect and learn from one another, to refresh ourselves, and to make every day new.
We are deeply grateful to learn from the diversity of those who attended, spanning different ages and walks of life. Thank you for sharing what you have with the Learning City, from your life experience and passion to the sincere, curious questions raised in our sharing circles.
One friend traveled from Hue to Da Nang, having also attended the Ho Chi Minh City Learning City, and participated fully in our festival. They asked questions that made us feel as though this activity would never end, because those questions were so genuine.
Congratulations to the young hosts this month who boldly took on not only new topics but also hosted 3-4 sessions to explore their own limits and seek entrepreneurial ideas. There were veterans who, after years of practice, felt the desire to give back and pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation—whether in sewing, drug-free healthcare, or traditional East Asian culture. Some hosts even created pop-up events right during the festival, simply feeling the urge to invite others on a forest hike, and just like that, they found their companions.
The topics explored this month were also incredibly diverse:
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated—both the bees (hosts) and the flowers (attendees). By understanding the spirit of self-organization, free learning, and exploration, you were proactive in turning your ideas into reality, daring to act, gaining first-time experiences, and doing everything driven by your inner motivation. We are fortunate and grateful to serve as a bridge, bringing together people who are eager to learn, seeking new experiences, a sense of belonging, and companionship.
Some people couldn't attend the festival but invited us to host activities at their companies. There was a busy cafe owner, balancing business and motherhood, who dedicated her space for us to set up market stalls, where everyone sang and moved the entire community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dune 45 Cafe; Chan Dat Living Room (Hoi An); 188 Cafe; SANH Cafe; the Life Maintenance Education Company; the Vcil Living Lab community house; and Mr. Hoang Vinh for always being ready to welcome meaningful community activities.
Although we haven't used the space yet, we would like to thank the Control & Automation Solutions Company (CAS) for their openness in offering their indoor rooms and outdoor green space for the new Eco STEAM project, which focuses on practical skills, early career guidance, and improving school health. We also thank HerKitchen (Hoi An), part of the C4C project, for their support in vocational training and job creation for single mothers.
We deeply cherish the souls who came to this April festival with curiosity, a desire to learn, and a wish to live more expansively. From that generosity—that willingness to give and share—the community's treasure grows richer in both knowledge and space.
We call this "The Commons."
In ancient Vietnam, the "commons" referred to communal village land—a resource everyone could use and felt a responsibility to care for. As we urbanized, parts of these commons became private property, leaving many without access to shared resources. While this may have served social development, we still want to build a "commons" for the new era. A civilization where some things don't require money to exchange, but instead stem from a culture of giving.
When we look at the people we meet, we don't just see their age or profession; we see their stories, their beliefs, what they value, their concerns, and the unique "treasures" within them. From children to the elderly, everyone has their own identity. Each individual holds treasures, and together, they form a collective wealth. Everyone can become a source of learning for one another, and each person will come to see their own uniqueness.
This month, the Da Nang Learning City team was delighted to welcome Vcil Community members from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and South Korea to enjoy the festival atmosphere. The festival was organized using the Open Space tool from the Art of Hosting; however, what makes it truly special is that when it takes place elsewhere, it carries the local characteristics, lifestyle, and culture of that place.
If you are following us from afar and want to create a Learning City, please get in touch. We want Learning City to be a spiritual anchor and a beehive where bees and flowers from everywhere can gather sweet nectar. Ultimately, the festival was born so that we can engage in lifelong learning and create a meaningful life together.
But first, we invite everyone to visit Da Nang to attend a Learning City event and get a feel for the spirit!
With love,
The "Da Nang - Learning City" Organizing Committee
This event will use the diversity and wealth of the community to transform the city into a Festival of Learning
